Black Leaves Dance Company: “Shadows & Silhouettes”

A contemporary multi-act ballet where the leaves will unveil, unpack, and unmask the Black Man all while finding a way to overcome the obstacles to the life their fathers dreamed.

ABOUT BLACK LEAVES DANCE COMPANY

Black Leaves Dance Company is an all-Black, all-male, queer-inclusive dance company specializing in modern ballet, highlighting the stories and perspectives of Black men in America. We explore themes related to identity and self-actualization: questions of masculinity, sexuality, religion, and race.

Growing up as Black boys wanting to explore Western dance techniques, we often found ourselves as the only Black dancer and/or the only male in the studio. We created the space we wish that we had had: a modern ballet company rooted in Western dance technique, fused with African traditions, that not only welcomes Black men but centers Black men. Through our work, we empower communities to connect with and show compassion for the unique and complex journeys of Black men in America.

Dancer, choreographer, teacher, director, and activist, Founder/Artistic Director Steven Wilson has over 20 years of experience in arts entertainment. He attended Morehouse College, with concentrations in Dance and Marketing. CEO and Founder of the award-winning OASIS Dance Company, Steven has served on the boards of The Dance Express Dance Company, Wanda Alston Foundation, and X Rae Dance Company.

A native of Washington, DC, and graduate of the University of Maryland, Assistant Director Camal “C-Note” Pugh has been choreographing and dancing for the past 13 years. A signed dancer with Bloc Talent Agency, Camal founded the first dance department at Charles Hart Middle School in Washington DC.

A native of Baltimore, MD, Rehearsal Director DeVonté began dancing at five years old, and is a graduate of Estelle Dennis Boys Program at Peabody Preparatory, where he studied ballet and modern, amongst other styles. After spending five years training at Peabody, DeVonté went on to train at the Baltimore School of the Arts, Pennsylvania Ballet, School of American Ballet, and The Colburn School. After completing his pre-professional dance training and graduating high school, DeVonté joined Tucson Ballet as a company member.